P35 or X-38

[blockgorilla]

I'm looking for some opinions about a new build in near future. Should i go with the new X-38 chipset although it is more expensive or go with the ever popular P35. I like the X-38 reviews and the fact that some of the higher end boards support ddr3 support for the future.

thanks

[Fraz]

Do you want to SLI at any point?

[staffsMike]

It is all down to the future upgrades I think.

If you have short term upgrades on your mind i.e the next gen 1600Mhz FSB CPU's etc.. then the X-38 will probably be best.

If you're thinking long term such as keeping it for 3 years and then upgrading/replacing, then the cheaper P35 is probably best option

There are P35 boards which have slots for both DDR2 and 3 if that is a concern.

[Thorsson]

Actually I'd take a different view. Get a P35/DDR2 if you want to upgrade the guts again with the money you save now. If you only want to change the CPU get an X38/DDR3.

Mixed memory slots are generally bad news IMO. You won't be able to fit enough DDR3 when it comes to upgrading.

[twicksisted]

I dont have any links for this, but a lot of people are saying that the overclocks on the X38 is terrible... and they all hoping that will be sorted with the X48...

If you want to OC your rig right now then definately P35...
loving mine, can highly reccommend it
P5K-E

[Fraz]

Second that. Abit IP35 pro = awesome.

[DratUK]

P35 for OC and stability. If you can bare waiting for a more mature bios then hold off and look at the X38, especially if you want to or are likely to want Crossfire.

Some of the P35 bios updates will allow for the Wolfdale/Yorkfield cpu's.

I would second the Abit Pro, a great mobo, so far built 6 systems in the past 6 months for friends and not one has a had a problem.

[Blitzen]

I tried to buy an iX38 Quad GT on Monday and was told buy the sales person on the phone' Dont buy it. The memory controllers are effed'.

That was enough to put me off.

I will wait for the iX48....(on its way now) as i think the P35's are going to be out dated quite quickly).

My X975 still cuts the mustard really well until the next gen Quads are here so i decided to ignore the P35 and wait.

[Taz]

Second that. Abit IP35 pro = awesome.

Third that. Zero problems so far.

[blockgorilla]

not concerned with SLI or Crossfire, have an 8800gtx working great. i do however like the 2.0 pci-e x16 lanes offered on the x-38. anybody know of any MB's with the p-35 that have dual 16 lane pci-express in them

[shaithis]

I tried to buy an iX38 Quad GT on Monday and was told buy the sales person on the phone' Dont buy it. The memory controllers are effed'.

Been seeing your posts about this, still no reply from ABit I notice.....

Mine has been running like a champ since I installed it though, most stable board I've ever owned....and I have all 4 DIMM slots populated......running 24/7 with a large overclock

[blockgorilla]

I tried to buy an iX38 Quad GT on Monday and was told buy the sales person on the phone' Dont buy it. The memory controllers are effed'.

do you mean the new intel extreme memory whatsit? from what i have read about that it is extremely similar to the EPP offered by most SLI compatible RAM. do you have any links or anthing like that to substantiate the "effed"ness of the memory controllers?

[BUFF]

Been seeing your posts about this, still no reply from ABit I notice.....

if the chipset is being discontinued (which I very much doubt) then abit staff will be bound by NDAs.

[blockgorilla]

Actually I'd take a different view. Get a P35/DDR2 if you want to upgrade the guts again with the money you save now. If you only want to change the CPU get an X38/DDR3.

ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT THE HIGHER FSB WITH A NEW CPU? THIS ONE LEFT ME A LITTLE CONFUSED?

[Clunk]

do you mean the new intel extreme memory whatsit? from what i have read about that it is extremely similar to the EPP offered by most SLI compatible RAM. do you have any links or anthing like that to substantiate the "effed"ness of the memory controllers?

One worrying problem with the memory controller is that it shows as dual channel when the slots aren't even populated as such.

To be honest, there were so many other problems with the quadGT, that it wouldn't surprise me if they discontinued it pretty quickly.

There are a few die hard Abit fans that appear happy with it, but most of the people that I have spoken to, agree that it is too buggy to be useful - at least for now.

[Blitzen]

do you mean the new intel extreme memory whatsit? from what i have read about that it is extremely similar to the EPP offered by most SLI compatible RAM. do you have any links or anthing like that to substantiate the "effed"ness of the memory controllers?

I was categorically told by a respected on line retailer that i should not buy it.

I would say thats enough not to.